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| Commuters inconvenienced as transporters call off indefinite strike | | | KUNAL SHRIVATSA
JAMMU, Jan 28: Even though the tug of war between transporters and the state government has came to an end for now but not before bringing lot of miseries for a common man since the public transport including mini buses and buses didn't ply on roads in the wake of 'Chakka Jam' call of transport unions.
As the public transport stayed off the roads across Jammu region, the life virtually came to a stand still for those who rely heavily on mini buses and private buses which ply on different routes of the province.
The usual hustle-bustle of matadors on city roads and long route buses exiting the General Bus Stand as well as other points was missing.
Even the routine sight of a number of school going children waiting for their buses in different parts of the city was also not to be seen as several schools remained closed due to strike as they are dependent on private buses.
Since private long route transport buses stayed off the roads, the common passengers particularly Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims arriving here from different parts of the country had to face many hardships for taking up their onward journey to Katra.
Though Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) had pressed into service few of its buses for the benefit of the passengers but the number was not sufficient to cater to the heavy passenger rush.
Meanwhile, transporters have called off their indefinite strike seeking hike in passenger fares after Transport Minister assured them today that the issue would be considered sympathetically in the next cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on January 31.
Sources told Early Times that the decision to call off strike was taken after hectic parleys were held between a deputation of transporters comprising leaders of different unions and Minister for Transport Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan.
In the meeting, the Minister gave assurance to the transporters that their issues would be taken up with the Government.
The transport union leaders who were part of the deputation include Vice Chairman All J&K Passenger Transport Welfare Association (AJKPTWA) Bharat Bhushan Gupta, President AJKPTWA Devinder Choudhary, General Secretary AJKPTWA Vijay Kumar Sharma, President 2x2 Jammu-Poonch Rajouri Bus Union Mohinder Singh, President Chhamb Bus Union Bharat Bhushan Sharma, President RS Pura Bus Union Sukhbir Singh Bajwa and others.
"We had a meeting with the Transport Minister today. It was held in a cordial atmosphere for almost one hour. We were told by the Minister that a decision on hiking fares will be taken in the next cabinet meeting to be held on January 31. After getting assurance from the Minister, we decided to call of our stir for the time being," said General Secretary AJKPTWA Vijay Kumar Sharma.
"The prices were increased has increased by Rs 8.50 per litre during the past one year. We put forth our demand before the government number of times but to no avail. Now that the Minister has given an assurance we are hopeful that the issue will be resolve. In case the Government failed to keep its promise, the transporters would re-launch their agitation," he added.
Pertinent to mention here that the transporters of Jammu province had decided to go on indefinite strike demanding 40 per cent hike in the passenger fares since the prices of diesel have increased manifold over the last one year.
It may also be recalled that one-day token strike has also been observed on September 30, last year by transporters in support of their demand for a 40 per cent increase in passenger fares.
If the Government increases the passenger fares now, it would be the third hike in fares since last 26 months.
In September 30, 2011 and December 7, 2012 hikes were approved by the state cabinet. In its last fare hike decision, the state cabinet has approved 14.40% hike in existing fares of big buses (stage carriage), 13.49% hike in mini buses (stage carriage), 12.13% hike in taxi, maxi cabs (contract carriers) and 8.81% hike in petrol driven auto rickshaws (contract carriage). |
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